Word Origin & History

low M.E. lah (mid-12c.), from O.N. lagr "low," from P.Gmc. *lægaz (cf. O.Fris. lech, Du. laag, Ger. läge "low"), lit. "that which is lying flat;" related to O.E. licgan (see lie (v.)). Meaning "humble in rank" is from c.1200; "undignified" is from 1550s; sense of "dejected, dispirited" is attested from 1737. In reference to sounds, it is attested from early 15c. In geographical usage, it refers to the part of a country near the sea-shore (c.1300; cf. Low Countries "Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg," 1540s).

Example Sentences for low

But it will never do to begin the night's vigil in this low key.

"Get up," commanded one of the men, in a low, muffled voice.

But in our situation it was no good because it has rather a low thrust.

"I felt so sorry for him," she said, in a low, trembling voice.

He keeps so low that the birds and mice do not see him till he is fairly upon them.

“They have been wicked, often,” said Hester, in a low voice.

It was followed in a few seconds by the low boom of a distant gun.

One day lately, when the water was low, he offered to cross the weir at Dingleford.